✈️ 6 Wedding destinations: where it is warmer, cheaper and more beautiful

A wedding abroad solves two problems at once. You say "yes" in a place you love and head straight into your honeymoon without a connecting flight. We've rounded up six countries where the ceremony is easy to combine with a vacation: from misty Ireland to South Africa. For each one, we've listed the season, venues, and honest catches so you can choose without surprises.

This guide is also useful if you're still planning the proposal. Any place on the list works for an engagement.

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How to choose a country for a wedding abroad

💡 In short:

Check the season: for an outdoor ceremony, each country has its own window.
Sort out the paperwork early: you'll need an apostille and translated certificates.
Book the venue and hotel six months ahead or earlier.
Season and ceremony venues: 09/2026, verified on Ireland.com

Weather decides a lot. Ireland is at its best in May and September, while South Africa awaits you from November to March. Logistics matter next: the shorter the flight, the easier it is for your guests to get there.

1. Ireland

Ireland suits you if you love green hills, mist, and old castles. Small villages, gardens, and family estates await you here. Add local hospitality and you get a ready-made formula for the ceremony.

The cliffs on the west coast have become the country's calling card, and you can even get married right at their edge. For a medieval atmosphere, choose castles like Ashford Castle, Ballynahinch Castle, Markree Castle, and Luttrellstown Castle. David and Victoria Beckham held their wedding at the latter.

Who it's for: couples who value nature, quiet, and historic walls.
When to go: plan an outdoor ceremony from May to September (according to Tourism Ireland, 09/2026).
The catch: frequent rain, and some hotels are closed from October to March.

Keep a tent plan ready in case of rain. Hotels near the cliffs and castles get booked quickly, so check options on Trip.com.

Kylemore Abbey by a lake amid wooded mountains

© Textman at Dutch Wikipedia ( Original text: Textman ) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Textman at Dutch Wikipedia ( Original text: Textman ), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5), Wikimedia Commons

2. Portugal

Portugal is one of the most affordable options. A ceremony here costs less than in France or Italy, and the quality doesn't suffer. Historic castles and fortresses, signature ceramics, and nature, including the Azores, await you.

Want to get the most out of the country? Then book Fronteira Palace in Lisbon. Its interiors will leave your guests impressed. It has everything you need for the ceremony and photo session.

Who it's for: couples who want to save money without sacrificing quality.
When to go: both summer and autumn work (according to Visit Portugal, 09/2026).
The catch: August brings a huge influx of tourists.

On the other hand, prices soften from November to February, which works in your favor. Check hotels in Portugal on Trip.com.

Pena Palace on a hill in Sintra, Portugal

3. France

Paris remains the top city for a wedding. Here you'll find castles, museums, fashion houses, and the best restaurants. Spare no effort or resources for the celebration and grab available dates at Versailles. Be sure to hire a professional photographer to capture you against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.

After a lively ceremony, the French Riviera is a great fit. Artists lived and worked in Nice and Cannes, films were shot here, and the fate of Europe was decided. So your wedding will take place against a backdrop of grand history.

Who it's for: couples who care about restaurants, fashion, and photogenic views.
When to go: spring and autumn. Summer is hot and crowded.
The catch: major events like Paris Fashion Week drive up prices for accommodation, food, and transport.

For an official marriage in France, one partner must reside in the country. Otherwise, only a symbolic ceremony is possible. Plan your budget with a buffer if your date falls on a major holiday. Check hotels in Paris on Trip.com.

Palace of Versailles and gardens from a bird's-eye view

4. Italy

Getting married on the shore of an Italian lake sounds like a dream, and Italy turns it into a plan. Say "yes" on Lake Como: its coastline is dotted with villas featuring spacious gardens. You won't have to limit yourself when choosing a restaurant or a place to relax.

Another strong location awaits you in Tuscany. Cypress groves, fields, and castles that look straight out of a painting create a ready-made backdrop. Florence adds ancient architecture, cathedrals, and statues, while the countryside hills and vineyards suit those who want a rural setting.

Who it's for: couples who appreciate water, wine, and scenic views.
When to go: Como in April-June and September-October, Tuscany from May to September.
The catch: in high season, villas and hotels get booked well in advance.

Check hotels on Lake Como on Trip.com.

Panoramic view of Lake Como from a mountain

5. Slovenia

Slovenia gives you an affordable European wedding without the fuss. The exact coordinates are simple: the Julian Alps and Lake Bled. Nature, mountain peaks, and turquoise water will stir strong emotions in your guests, and old castles will enhance the impression of the celebration.

The center of the lake draws attention. A 17th-century baroque church stands right there, where many couples get married. Once you see this region in person, you'll feel the grandeur of nature. You can stay at Villa Bled within walking distance of the shore: Josip Broz Tito once vacationed here.

Who it's for: couples who value nature and a modest budget.
When to go: April, May, September, or October.
The catch: Bled is crowded in July and August, and dates get booked in advance.

Check hotels in Slovenia on Trip.com.

Lake Bled with island and church from above

6. South Africa

South Africa is worth crossing the ocean with your guests. Of course, the major cities are at your service: Cape Town with the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Johannesburg. But we recommend looking deeper into the country.

Estates, vineyards, and rolling countryside await you here. The atmosphere of old manors will delight even skeptics. Zorgvliet and the Stellenbosch wine region are at your service.

Who it's for: couples who want exoticism and wine in one package.
When to go: from November to March.
The catch: the flight is long and involves connections, which deters some guests.

If most of your friends aren't ready for a long journey, save South Africa for the honeymoon. Check hotels in Cape Town on Trip.com.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with yachts and Table Mountain

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is it easiest for foreigners to register a marriage?

It's easiest where the procedure is transparent and clear. In Portugal and Ireland, the steps are described on official websites, but you still need an apostille and translated certificates. In France, an official marriage is only possible if one partner lives in the country. Otherwise, only a symbolic ceremony is available. Submit your paperwork early, several months before the date. Check the exact list with your country's consulate (as of 09/2026).

When is the best time to get married on Lake Como?

Summer is hot and crowded with tourists, and villas get booked earlier. For an outdoor ceremony, go with late spring: the weather is mild and the mountain views are at their clearest. Book the specific villa in advance (as of 09/2026).

How much does a wedding abroad cost?

The final amount depends on the country, the number of guests, and the venue, so only an estimate tailored to your format will give you an exact figure. As a guide: Portugal and Slovenia are cheaper, France and Italy are more expensive. A convenient way to save is on the season, since prices are lower in the off-season. Compare offers and choose what fits your budget.

Is South Africa suitable for a wedding if guests are afraid of the long flight?

South Africa is worth it, but the flight is indeed long, and that's the main drawback. The best season here is from November to March, meaning during your winter. Allow a couple of days for guests to acclimatize.

Can you combine the ceremony and the honeymoon?

Yes, and that's the main benefit of this selection. After the registration, you stay in the same country and don't spend money on a second flight. In Ireland, you can extend your vacation by the coast; in Italy, head to Tuscany; and in Portugal, sail to the Azores. Plan the logistics in advance.

In short: what to book

If your guests aren't ready for a long flight, choose the European countries from this list instead of South Africa. If wine and views matter to you, Tuscany and Cape Town are a good fit. If you want a short ceremony by the water, choose Lake Bled. Book the venue and hotels in advance: in high season, available dates are scarce.

First decide on the country and season, then the venue and guest list. Start with the date: prices and villa availability depend on it.

Compare several venues and book early to secure the best available dates.

Where to have a wedding abroad: seasons and venues in six countries